Jack Bodin Could Be A Mid Round Talent

Jack Bodin is a 6-foot-4 draft-eligible defenseman who weighs around 220 pounds. I mention these stats because the league is getting bigger on the blueline, and players like this are on every team’s boards, and it’s just a matter of where they get selected. Defensive defensemen don’t have the same value as the all-around or mostly offensive players, but every team needs a few.

“I am a big, bodied player, and I worked hard in the gym,” said Bodin. “I want to use my physicality the best way possible. I weigh 100 kg.”

In the five nations, Bodin was very versatile. He skated well and had a lot of pushback. There seems to be a temper there, and he delivered some big hits. All of this helps him. That package makes him hard to play against.

“I think I’m good, mostly in the defensive zone. I have a big shot and try to use that as well,” Bodin added.
He’s a right-hand shot defenseman. So that’s in demand. Physicality is in demand. He has good metrics playing in the J20 in Sweden so he should be gone by the end of the third round, as far as I can tell at this point. The 2024 NHL Draft is loaded with defensemen.

“Our season got off to a great start. Then we had a little bit of a tough time, and then we got it going again, Bodin said.

He’s been highly scouted, and the five nations were loaded with black coats.

“Of course, there are a lot of scouts. But I’m trying to play my game to the best of my ability. I play hockey because it’s fun.”

All players look to NHLers for ideas and try and borrow bits and pieces of their game. One of his players was no surprise, but the second raised my eyebrow.

“Victor Hedman is really good, and then a bit of an older guy, Dustin Byfuglien,” he said, waiting for my response. “He’s a good guy, eh? Of course, I liked his physical play.”

He likes to golf in the offseason.

“I’m ok. I try my best. It’s good to cool off a little bit,” Bodin answered.

Bodin understands the game, and he knows what kind of player he is. I know that sounds simplistic, but the players who know this before they turn pro or before they come to North America tend to make easier transitions.

NHL teams are going to like him when they start to interview him ahead of the draft.